Examined three stages of University of Iowa students' progress to graduation: dropout versus persistence in the first year, graduation versus failure to graduate among first-year persisters, and graduation in 4 years or less versus graduation in 5 years or more. Found that college academic performance, pre-matriculation academic achievement, and…

Analyzed data for three cohorts of male, African-American community college students in a longitudinal design for three semesters, and used logistic regression to identify factors that best predict retention. Found that high school grades, age, number of courses, a positive view of personal skills, clear high goals, and the early identification of…

Examined the efficacy of an ACT-based merit index in predicting undergraduate college students' first-to-second-year retention. Results indicated that the ACT-index, although a significant predictor of retention, failed to predict retention as well as the more traditional ACT-Composite score. Evidence did indicate, however, that further…

A statistical model to predict success or failure in a general psychology course was constructed and validated with 935 community college students. Best predictors were age, high school grade point average, and composite ACT (American College Testing) scores. The model was validated by comparing error rates to those from two previous semesters of…

A study examined the role of career maturity in the college persistence of 307 freshmen at a public, residential, four-year college. Results indicate that the My Vocational Situation instrument is reliable and valid, although theoretical formulations should be reexamined. Career maturity was positively associated with several variables important…

Constructed a path model mapping the effect of career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) and degree utility on persistence of underprepared college students. Found that students who believed college would provide employment opportunities and better careers were more likely to persist, and that CDMSE has a direct effect on social and academic…

A study examined the academic success and retention of 213 first-year female African-American students at a historically black, private, liberal arts college in the Southeast. The women were surveyed concerning their preparation and readiness for college during their first weeks on campus, and responses were compared with actual academic…

Examined relationships between high school grade point average, American College Testing (ACT) scores, Stafford loan eligibility, total scholarship award, and persistence of 191 fine arts students eligible for merit scholarships at a city university. Merit scholarships were a positive predictor of retention, whereas Stafford loan eligibility was a…

Examines the relationship between selected demographic and situational variables and completion of doctorate in educational administration from the West Virginia University-Marshall University Cooperative Doctoral Program. Analysis of survey responses (n=140) identified six factors positively related to degree completion: student financial…